1 Chronicles 12:11

KJV

Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh,

KJV (with Strong's)

Attai {H6262} the sixth {H8345}, Eliel {H447} the seventh {H7637},

Complete Jewish Bible

'Atai sixth, Eli'el seventh,

Berean Standard Bible

Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh,

American Standard Version

Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 12:11 precisely names Attai and Eliel as the sixth and seventh individuals, respectively, among the formidable Gadite warriors who pledged their allegiance to David while he was still a fugitive from King Saul. This verse is part of a comprehensive register that meticulously details the diverse and exceptionally capable men who recognized God's anointing upon David, choosing to align themselves with his nascent cause during a period of uncertainty and persecution, thereby contributing to the foundational strength of his future kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a pivotal chapter, [1 Chronicles 12](/1_chronicles/12 "1 Chronicles 12 - David's Mighty Men"), which serves as a detailed roll call of the various tribes and groups who rallied to David's side at different stages of his exile and ascent to the throne. Specifically, [1 Chronicles 12:8-15](/1_chronicles/12-8 "1 Chronicles 12:8-15 - Description of the Gadite Warriors") focuses on the Gadites, describing them with vivid imagery as "mighty men of valour, men of war fit for battle, that could handle shield and buckler, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as the roes upon the mountains." This description immediately precedes the listing of individuals like Attai and Eliel, emphasizing the exceptional caliber and ferocity of these particular recruits. The broader narrative of 1 Chronicles highlights the legitimacy of David's kingship and the divine orchestration of his rise, with this chapter underscoring the human instruments God gathered for His purposes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time these men joined David, he was in a precarious position, living in exile and constantly pursued by King Saul. David had sought refuge in Ziklag, a Philistine town granted to him by Achish, the king of Gath ([1 Samuel 27:6](/1_samuel/27-6 "1 Samuel 27:6 - David at Ziklag")). Aligning with David at this point was a significant act of faith and courage, as it meant defying the reigning monarch and risking reprisal. The Gadites, hailing from the eastern side of the Jordan River, were known for their martial prowess and nomadic lifestyle, often depicted as fierce warriors. Their decision to join David, despite the geographical distance and political risk, speaks volumes about their perception of David's divine mandate and their willingness to commit to a cause greater than their immediate tribal loyalties.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of Attai and Eliel within this detailed roster contributes significantly to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Providence**, demonstrating God's meticulous hand in raising up and equipping David for kingship, even in his most vulnerable moments. Every individual, no matter how briefly mentioned, is part of God's larger, sovereign plan for establishing David's throne, as promised in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Loyalty and Allegiance**, showcasing the unwavering commitment of these warriors to God's anointed leader, even when his future was uncertain and his position unofficial. Their foresight in recognizing David's destiny and their willingness to endure hardship with him exemplify true faithfulness. Lastly, the detailed naming of individuals, even those not prominent elsewhere, emphasizes the **Value of Every Individual's Contribution** to God's kingdom work. It suggests that no act of service or commitment, however seemingly small or obscure, goes unnoticed or unrecorded in God's grand narrative.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Attai (עַתַּי, _'Attay'_):** This Hebrew name is derived from a root meaning "opportune," "timely," or "my time." While the text does not explicitly link the name's meaning to the individual's actions, its etymology subtly resonates with the opportune timing of these warriors joining David. Their arrival at a critical juncture in David's exile was indeed timely and strategic, providing much-needed strength and legitimacy to his burgeoning company.
* **Eliel (אֱלִיאֵל, _'Eli'el'_):** A common and significant Hebrew name, Eliel literally means "God is God" or "My God is God." This name is a strong theological affirmation, reflecting a deep-seated faith or a family's devotion to the Lord. Its inclusion in a list of warriors suggests that their strength and commitment were not merely physical but potentially rooted in a profound spiritual conviction, acknowledging God's sovereignty even in the political and military sphere.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Attai the sixth":** This phrase identifies Attai as the sixth in a specific enumeration of Gadite warriors who joined David. The precise numerical ordering underscores the meticulous record-keeping of the Chronicler, emphasizing the importance of each individual's contribution. It highlights the systematic way in which David's forces were cataloged, giving honor and recognition to every man who committed to his cause.
* **"Eliel the seventh":** Similarly, this clause names Eliel as the seventh in the sequence of Gadite recruits. The simple listing of names and numbers, while seemingly mundane, serves to build a comprehensive picture of the diverse and growing company that gathered around David. It signifies that even those whose deeds are not individually elaborated upon were nonetheless vital components of the divine plan unfolding through David's leadership.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs **Enumeration** and **Cataloging** as primary literary devices in this chapter, and specifically in this verse. By meticulously listing the names of individuals and their numerical order, the text creates a sense of comprehensive inclusion and historical accuracy. This detailed roster is not merely a dry list but serves to emphasize the sheer volume and diversity of support David garnered, thereby legitimizing his claim to the throne and highlighting the divine hand in assembling his forces. The repetition of the pattern "Name the number" across the Gadite list reinforces the systematic nature of this gathering. Furthermore, the very act of recording these names, even those of seemingly minor figures, serves as a form of **Commemoration**, ensuring that the contributions of every loyal individual are remembered and honored within the sacred narrative. This literary choice implicitly communicates the value God places on every person's commitment to His purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The inclusion of Attai and Eliel in this detailed roster of David's loyal supporters speaks volumes about the nature of divine calling and human response. It underscores the theological truth that God often works through the faithful commitment of ordinary individuals, whose names might otherwise be lost to history. These men, though not central figures in the grand narrative, were indispensable to the establishment of God's chosen king. Their decision to align with David in his time of need exemplifies a profound trust in God's anointing and His ultimate plan, even when the immediate circumstances were challenging and uncertain. This narrative thread reinforces the idea that true strength and success in God's kingdom are built upon the collective, often unseen, acts of loyalty and courage from many.

* [Judges 5:23](/judges/5-23 "Judges 5:23 - Curse of Meroz for not helping the Lord")
* [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Little Things")
* [Hebrews 11:32-34](/hebrews/11-32 "Hebrews 11:32-34 - Faith of the Heroes of Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief mention of Attai and Eliel in 1 Chronicles 12:11 offers a powerful reminder that every individual's contribution, no matter how seemingly small or obscure, holds significant value in the grand tapestry of God's purposes. In a world that often celebrates only prominent figures and grand achievements, this verse quietly elevates the importance of faithfulness in the background. It challenges us to consider our own roles within the body of Christ and the broader kingdom of God. Are we willing to serve faithfully, even when our names may not be widely known or our efforts publicly applauded? Like Attai and Eliel, our steadfast allegiance to God and His chosen leaders, our commitment to righteous causes, and our willingness to stand with truth in challenging times are profoundly meaningful. This passage encourages us to embrace our unique place in God's plan, trusting that our quiet acts of obedience and loyalty are seen and valued by Him, contributing to something far greater than ourselves.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be called to demonstrate faithfulness and loyalty in an "obscure" or unheralded capacity within my community or church?**
* **How does the example of Attai and Eliel challenge my understanding of what constitutes "significant" service in God's kingdom?**
* **What does it mean to "align myself with God's anointed" in today's context, and how can I practically live out that allegiance?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater appreciation for the contributions of others who serve faithfully behind the scenes?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Bible list so many names, like Attai and Eliel, that seem to have little further information?**

Answer: The meticulous listing of names, even those with minimal accompanying details, serves several crucial purposes within biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **historical authenticity and veracity** of the accounts, grounding the spiritual narrative in concrete human experience. These are not mythical figures but real individuals who played a part in God's unfolding plan. Secondly, it highlights the **importance of every individual's contribution** to God's work. Even if their specific deeds are not elaborated, their presence and commitment were vital to the larger story, demonstrating that God uses a multitude of people, each with their unique role. Thirdly, in the context of 1 Chronicles, these lists serve to **legitimize David's kingship** by showcasing the diverse and formidable support he garnered, indicating divine favor and widespread recognition of his anointing. For the original audience, these genealogies and rosters also served as a means of **preserving tribal identity and heritage**, connecting them to their past and demonstrating God's faithfulness across generations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Attai and Eliel are Old Testament figures associated with the earthly kingdom of David, their story finds a profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament concept of the Body of Christ. Just as these men, individually named yet part of a larger company, pledged allegiance to David as God's anointed king, so too are believers called to pledge their lives to Jesus Christ, the ultimate King and Anointed One ([Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "Acts 2:36 - Jesus is Lord and Christ")). The loyalty and diverse contributions of David's mighty men foreshadow the unity and varied gifts within the church, where every member, no matter how seemingly "obscure," is essential and divinely appointed for the building up of the kingdom of God ([1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")). Attai and Eliel's faithful service to an earthly king who prefigured Christ points to the greater call for all believers to serve the heavenly King, Jesus, whose kingdom is eternal and whose victory is assured ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")). Their commitment in a time of uncertainty mirrors the faith required of those who follow Christ, often against the tide of the world, trusting in His ultimate triumph and the establishment of His perfect reign ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.